July 02, 2012

D-Williams will likely decide future by Wednesday

A contingent of three are currently in New York trying to convince Deron Williams why he should play for the Dallas Mavericks.

Unfortunately, after Williams hears a sales pitch from the Mavs, he'll hear one from the Brookyln Nets later today.

The Mavs and Nets are in the showdown of all showdowns for the services of Williams, who is the NBA's top free agent this summer. But at least they won't have to wait long before euphoria -- or disappointment -- sets in.

Williams said he would like to have his future settled before he leaves Thursday for Las Vegas, where he'll be in training camp for the Olympics.

The fact that Orlando center Dwight Howard told the Magic that he wants to be traded to the Nets doesn't exactly help the Mavs' cause. If that does indeed happen, that puts Williams is a situation where he's deciding whether he wants to play with Mavs forward Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas, or potentially with Howard in Brooklyn.

Add in the fact that the most the Mavs can offer Williams is a four-year, $75 million contract -- the 6-3 point guard can get a five-year, $100 million deal from the Nets -- things are getting a bit dicey for owner Mark Cuban's favorite team.

The Mavs meeting with Williams include coach Rick Carlisle, general manager Donnie Nelson and former Mavs guard Michael Finley, who was recently hired by the Mavs in a yet-to-be-determined position.